scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

also

skal-ˈpel 

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a scalpel approach that reviews agency costs and delivers better results will help streamline our state government. —Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025

The embarrassing stories of DOGE firing people only to be forced to rehire them in nuclear security, air traffic control and most recently NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, prove conclusively that the scalpel versus meat-cleaver approach is far more effective. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025

This, too, is design performed with scalpel and sutures, and the scars don’t show. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 25 Mar. 2025

And every instrument—scalpel, suture, gown, drape, and glove—was often plastic. —Bill Frist, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scalpel

• palpal

Kids Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

 also  skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel

ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery